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New cleaner greener super ferry headed to Portsmouth International Port

Brittany Ferries have confirmed that it has ordered a new £175million ferry to be based at Portsmouth International Port, powered by Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) in 2019.

Operating between Portsmouth and Caen, the Brittany Ferries busiest route, the new vessel ‘Honfleur’ will be the most environmentally friendly ferry in the English Channel when it enters service in less than two years’ time.

LNG emits less carbon dioxide than diesel, is entirely free of sulphur, and burns with no smoke at all. It also has very low emissions of nitrogen oxide and particulate matter.

Brittany Ferries, which is a French owned company, is determined to strengthen links with Portsmouth International Port during the BREXIT process, and recently signed a new 10 year deal that reinforces ties between the ferry operator and Britain’s Best Connected Port.

Christophe Mathieu, CEO of Brittany Ferries, said: “It is important that we invest in new technologies and new vessels that respect the environment in which we operate. Equally, we must not forget that our customers expect Brittany Ferries ships to be comfortable, relaxing and adapted to the digital age. These objectives are compatible and I believe Honfleur will set a new standard for ferries operating on the Channel.”

80% of Brittany Ferries customers are British, and routes to and from Portsmouth International Port account for 63% of its business. ‘Honfleur’ is described as “a huge step forward” by the company, and a “clear statement of intent for the future.”

The 187 metre long ship will carry a maximum of 1,680 passengers between Portsmouth and Caen. As well as spacious and stylish public areas, two cinemas, shop, restaurant, self-service cafe and bar, ’Honfleur’ will have 257 passenger cabins. Below decks there will be room for 550 cars and 64 freight trailers. The vessel will be propelled by four electric engines, powered by LNG fuelled electric generators.

The arrival of ‘Honfleur’ at Portsmouth International Port in spring 2019 will coincide with the final stages of discussions leading to BREXIT. As it enters service Brittany Ferries will move the popular ferry ‘Normandie’ to the Portsmouth/Le Havre route.